Sundae Sunday

First Unitarian Society of Ithaca had a crucial role in the creation of the ice cream sundae. According to VisitIthaca.com, the Ice Cream Sundae was invented by FUSIT treasurer Chester C. Platt and first eaten by FUSIT’s Rev. John Scott on April 3, 1892. This adds to our rich history of connectedness with Ithaca and the Tompkins County. In honor of this history, we serve ice cream sundaes to the community on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Unirondack Labor Day Camping

Registration for Unirondack 2026 is now open.

Please follow this link to register: https://forms.gle/3AKoyGAWu7eABcin6

Unirondack Labor Day Weekend Gathering

Each year, members of the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca gather at Unirondack Camp in the Adirondacks over Labor Day weekend for a community retreat.

Unirondack offers a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life and spend time together in a different setting. The weekend brings together people of all ages for shared meals, time outdoors, and opportunities for connection across the congregation.

What the weekend is like

The schedule includes a mix of structured activities and open time. Over the course of the weekend, you might find yourself:

• Swimming or paddling in the lake
• Hiking or exploring the surrounding area
• Participating in group activities, discussions, or creative projects
• Gathering around the campfire for songs and stories
• Sharing meals prepared by members of the community
• Reading, relaxing, or simply enjoying time in nature

There is also plenty of unstructured time to connect with others or spend time on your own.

Who attends

Unirondack is an all-ages gathering. Individuals, couples, and families all attend, and the weekend is designed to be welcoming and accessible whether you are new to the congregation or have been involved for many years.

Accommodations and setting

Most participants stay in rustic cabins with bunk beds, while some choose to camp. The setting is intentionally simple and close to nature.

Cell service is limited, which creates a natural pause from devices and helps people be more present with one another.

Meals and community participation

Meals are shared and prepared by participants, with small teams helping to cook and clean up. This shared responsibility is part of how the weekend builds connection across the group.

When and how to register

Unirondack takes place each year over Labor Day weekend.

Registration typically opens in May. Details, including dates and registration information, are shared through the FUSIT weekly email announcements.

Learn more

If you’re interested in attending or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out or speak with someone who has attended in the past. Many members of the congregation are happy to share their experiences.

Stewart Park Picnic and Flower Communion

The last “regular” service of the year is held at Stewart Park on the second Sunday in June. We join together for our Flower Communion which is an annual ritual that celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community. In this ceremony, everyone in the congregation is encouraged to bring a flower, which is placed in a shared vase. The flowers are blessed and redistributed. This ceremony represents how the presence of each one of us changes our community and is also changed by our community. The ceremony also symbolically represents the different gifts that we each bring to the community.

This is followed by a potluck lunch by the beautiful Cayuga Lake.

Other Events

A list of weekly and one-time events can be found in the Weekly Announce email that is sent out every Wednesday (to be added to this list, email office@uuithaca.org) and on our Event page.